LONDON: Five minors have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Bhim Sen Kohli, an 80-year-old British-Indian man from Punjab, who was attacked while walking his dog in Franklin Park, Leicester. Kohli succumbed to his injuries on Monday night after being assaulted by a group of youths.
The arrested minors include a 14-year-old boy and girl, as well as a 12-year-old boy and two 12-year-old girls. Kohli had previously reported issues of anti-social behavior involving local youths, but no action had been taken by the police.
Kohli, a grandfather of two, is remembered fondly by his friend Deep Singh Kalia, who described him as a kind and gentle man. Kalia expressed shock over the attack, highlighting Kohli’s love for his family, his dog, and his allotment.
Leicestershire police are making a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct regarding the handling of Kohli’s previous complaints.
Deep Singh Kalia (70), who knew Kohli for over 30 years, told: “He was such a lovely guy. It is a horrible shock. We were both originally from the Punjab in India. He loved his allotment, and loved his dog, and his family. He used to own a factory that made jumpers and cardigans. I don’t know why anyone would have wanted to do something like this to him. He was a very nice man who wouldn’t have done anything to provoke this.”
Harjinder, Kalia’s wife, added: “Bhim wouldn’t have harmed anyone.”
